Preview: Malcolm X Hawks at Richard J Daley Bulldogs

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Malcolm X Hawks will look to solidify their winning season when they visit the struggling Richard J Daley Bulldogs in a men’s junior college basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.

The Hawks (10-6) enter with a clear advantage in both record and recent history. They defeated the Bulldogs 71-56 in their first meeting this season on Nov. 25. Malcolm X has shown a potent offense, scoring 94 or more points in three of its last five games, including a 103-88 win over Olive-Harvey on Jan. 29. However, they are coming off a 91-82 road loss to Southeastern on Jan. 31.

A player to watch for Malcolm X is Karim Lebon-Mohamed. He contributed 5 points and an assist in a 94-50 rout of Wilbur Wright on Jan. 27 and had a similar stat line in a win over Kennedy-King on Jan. 10.

The Bulldogs (3-12) are seeking consistency after a season of narrow defeats and blowout losses. They snapped a three-game skid with a 77-48 road victory over Wilbur Wright on Jan. 29. Prior to that, they suffered a 96-66 loss to Triton. Richard J Daley has shown an ability to win close games, edging Olive-Harvey 68-67 on Jan. 22 and Kennedy-King 74-73 on Jan. 13, but defensive struggles have been a persistent issue.

The matchup presents a stark contrast. Malcolm X aims to maintain its position above .500 and avenge its recent loss, while the home Bulldogs hope to build on their latest win and pull off a conference upset. The Hawks’ offensive firepower will test a Bulldogs defense that has allowed an average of 78 points per game this season.

For Malcolm X, this begins a critical stretch of six games in February. Richard J Daley will look to use the home court to springboard into its own February slate, which includes four more contests.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday night at Richard J Daley College.